Ligand substitution reactions of iron–molybdenum–sulphur cubane-like cluster dimers; selective halide incorporation

Abstract

The complexes [Fe₆Mo₂S₈(SR)₉]^3–(where R = Et, CH₂CH₂OH, or CH₂Ph) react with PhCOX (where X = Cl or Br) to form the corresponding [Fe₆Mo₂S₈(SR)₃X₆]^3– complex in good yield; ¹H n.m.r. spectral studies indicate that selective substitution of the thiolato-groups attached to the iron atoms has been achieved, with the bridging region remaining essentially unchanged.